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A trio of sports cars at the Detroit auto show: Autoweek TV

From the Detroit auto show, information about the Mercedes-Benz SL, the Lexus LF-LC, the Acura NSX, the Audi Allroad and the Smart Forus.

TRANSCRIPT

Hi, this is Julie Alvin with Autoweek TV. I'm here at Cobo Hall in Detroit with the second press day of the North American International Auto Show.

We have a lot of big stuff going on here today, including news about the Mercedes-Benz SL, the Lexus LF-LC and the Acura NSX. Here's Dale with more.

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New production cars from Cadillac, Dodge and Ford got this year's Detroit auto show off to a strong start.

But for enthusiasts, the show shifted into high gear with the debut of a trio of sports cars.

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Up first is the redesigned Mercedes-Benz SL roadster.

The new SL has a body made entirely from aluminum to make the car as light as possible. Mercedes says using aluminum cuts nearly 280 pounds compared with the current car.

The 4.6-liter V8 cranks out 429 hp, running thorough a seven-speed automatic. The run from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds.

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Meanwhile, Lexus was one of two Japanese automakers to roll out hybrid-powered sports-car concepts.

The Lexus LF-LC is a 2+2 coupe that is meant to show that Toyota's luxury brand can bring the emotion along with reliability.

The LF-LC has its engine mounted in front, driving the rear wheels. Lexus says the concept is fitted with a hybrid powertrain, but did not give up any other details.

Unique touches inside include a bevy of video screens. You can check your speed, dial up the weather or an Internet radio, and check the blind spots with them.

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Acura is using the Detroit show to put a stake in the ground declaring that it is here to stay. And what better way to attract attention then to bring back the NSX.

Acura says this NSX is a concept--but what we see here is close to what it plans to build at a Honda facility in Ohio. There's a V6 mounted midship driving the rear wheels. But this NSX is also a hybrid, with electric power going to the front wheels.

At the other end of its lineup, Acura says the ILX represents its new entry-level car, and the RDX prototype previews some upgrades to the small crossover.

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Speaking of crossovers, Audi is bringing back one of its popular models--the Allroad.

This new Allroad is based on the A4; the previous version was based on the A6.

The Allroad formula takes a station wagon and gives it some extra ground clearance and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. A little body cladding finishes off the package. The new Allroad goes on sale this fall.

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And finally, for the urban hauler, Smart rolled out the Forus concept--a dream of taking a Smart car and turning it into a pickup truck, sort of.

The Forus would be good for hauling a couple of bikes or for a decent Costco run--but a 4-by-8 sheet of plywood won't fit.

More important here is that the underpinnings of this concept likely will be used for a new four-seat Smart car in the future.

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Find photos and videos of the action in Detroit at autoweek.com.

Back to you, Julie.

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Thanks, Dale. And remember you guys can get more news, photos and video at autoweek.com.